We are Yoran and Nathalie, a Belgian couple of around 40 years old, with two lovely and fisty sons, Sebastian (almost 10) and Ruben (almost 4). Portugal has been our favorite European holiday destination since our honeymoon in 2011. We returned almost every year, sometimes even several times. So if we were ever to buy a house in another country, it would definitely be Portugal, that has never really been up for discussion.
But of course it remains a big step. Because if you already have a busy life in Belgium, with work and children and the rat race that we often experience, why would you add the obligations, hassle, maintenance and costs of such a house abroad?
Gosh, sometimes we wonder that too. Maybe because we would rather regret things we do than things we don’t do. And because it is more than just a feeling. We also think that we can turn this house into a break-even story. That by sharing the natural beauty of Central Portugal with other holidaymakers, from our beautiful house there on that mountain, overlooking the valley of the Mondego River, we not only contribute to the lives of those guests and the local economy, but can also earn a little money themselves, or at least enough to cover the costs associated with it.
Besides the fact that the choice was inspired by both emotion and reason, there was a reason that set us in motion. During the Easter holidays of 2023, the family went to visit my great uncle and aunt, André and Louise, in the south of France. They have had a house in the cute Montpezat for 20 years that overlooks one of the azure lakes of the Verdon. We saw how they live, and how the pace of life there, but also the variety with Belgium, benefits them. They are already well into their 80s and still as fit as ever. They take good care of themselves, travel a lot, have an open view of the world, make smart choices and are always there for each other. And that house in the south of France is one of the elements in their lives that also makes it possible. During and after that week with them, a puzzle came together for Yoran and me and it was clear that we wanted to try it.